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Jelly Bean’s daughter Bertie is an cute small “sweetheart”. Orion – nicknamed “Onion” – is a large but fiercely protective friend. Another whale, Zephyr has “ants in his pants” and sways like a worm. Lillooet the beluga is the “most affectionate” with a heart of gold.

Thirty enclosed beluga whales in a Canada-based amusement park have been entangled in a tussle between a shuttered park, local and national governments and welfare campaigners.

But those most familiar with the whales say the intense controversy over their fate often ignores the complexities of the whales who, after spending their lives in confinement, have been closely studied by the humans who see them each day.

After the national authorities disallowed the export of the belugas to China, the struggling amusement park near the famous falls where they are housed stated it would consider to euthanize them unless the authorities funds the cost of their care. Canada’s fisheries minister has refused that request, placing the 30 whales in an increasingly precarious position.

Intelligent Sea Creatures

Experts say that belugas’ brain structure, along with their vocal imitation skills, cognitive challenges and social skills point to they are highly cognitive creatures – something Kristy Burgess discovered first-hand.

Burgess spent three years as a marine mammal specialist, a position that entailed gaining confidence of the sea creatures.

“Building up those connections over time takes a lot of consistency and a lot of love. At the outset, they’re very unsure of you,” she said. “Eventually, you gain reciprocal understanding. And they start being more open with you. It’s just so magical and rewarding.”

The trainer knew the whales were very smart, but she says she was nonetheless astounded by the details and unique traits in their characters. She cultivated a special affection for Eve and Cleopatra with opposing temperaments.

“One whale selected me. Cleo demanded work,” she said. “They transformed the way I view connection.”

Growing Opposition and Deteriorating Conditions

Burgess’s relationship with the whales progressed against a context of rising activist criticism to their captivity.

During her time at the facility, seven belugas and the park’s one killer whale, Kiska, passed away. In total, nineteen belugas have died at the park since recent years, a number which the park links to age-related causes, but which campaigners say indicates the substandard environment in which they were kept.

The facility did not open to the visitors over the summer, but the former trainer says she witnessed firsthand effects of the closure. “Structural materials is falling apart from the enclosures because they’re degrading and not being fixed. The whales are inquisitive and so they grab fragments and swim around with fragments in their mouth. It’s upsetting to see.”

The facility did not respond to a questionnaire, but previously stated: “The whales … get far better medical attention and around the clock supervision than any human in the UK, or anywhere else.”

Fate in Limbo and Proposed Solutions

The former employee was dismissed from the park in the spring following the demise of a beluga, an sick beluga the employees had to put down. She said the facility suspected details of the incident were disclosed to the news outlets and she was fired soon after.

The lack of clarity over the whales’ outcome has left her and other caretakers in despair. She says the facility’s warning to euthanize its whales is a leverage tool and is a “logistically impossible” endeavor, adding any attempts to humanely kill even a single beluga would require “significant personnel”, vehicles and machinery.

“It’s impossible in hell the caretakers would ever do it,” she said.

Burgess backs calls for the whales to be removed right away from the facility, with its crumbling tanks and reduced personnel.

In late September, Canada’s government official turned down a bid to transfer the whales to China.

“To approve the request would have meant a continued situation in enclosure and a return to performance for audiences,” the minister wrote. “As society, we know that marine mammals belong in the sea, not in enclosures for our enjoyment. I could not in ethical standing permit an export that would perpetuate the conditions these belugas have endured.”

But the former trainer said the official’s remarks reflect a broader incorrect perception of the realities of life for belugas raised in confinement.

“The people needs to realize these are whales that have spent their whole lives in captivity and they will need ongoing assistance for the rest of their years,” she said. “The public just don’t understand that it’s not as easy as saying ‘shut it down’.”

Alternative Habitat and Continuing Discussion

As decision makers work to find a answer, ideas have been put forward, some of which have minimal feasibility. An idea called for the belugas to be let go into the natural habitat of northern regions – where whales are a primary resource of food for Inuit communities.

A proposed sanctuary in the region of Nova Scotia, which recently received official endorsement, has proven contentious. The future location, which includes a large area of penned in ocean, doesn’t yet exist. Supporters remain optimistic that it could in time represent a permanent resolution for a number of the whales.

But, the former trainer says, among caretakers she’s spoken with, there is “no trust there” about what she said is “merely an experiment” in the whales’ well-being.

Some experts say the possibility of a protected habitat represents a broader global shift away from captive facilities and could represent a feasible solution in the near future.

Charles Vinick, leader of the plan, said the location will simulate the intellectual stimulation and feeding regimen the whales obtain from specialists, albeit in a more expansive area. He said after the medical condition of whales is completely examined, which could take months|an extended period|